Hellraiser Goblin MTG Card
2013-02-01 - Number 95
2014-09-05 - Number 7
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Goblin Berserker |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Key Takeaways
- Hellraiser Goblin creates immediate impact by granting creatures haste, essential for aggressive strategies.
- Red mana specificity and discard requirements pose challenges for deck integration and card advantage.
- This card’s synergistic potential in fast-paced games makes it a valuable addition to creature-focused decks.
Text of card
Creatures you control have haste and attack each combat if able.
Don't let him lead the soldiers, but by all means let him lead the way.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When Hellraiser Goblin is played, all your creatures gain haste, enabling swift attacks that can lead to immediate card draw through certain deck mechanics. This ability to quickly capitalize on board presence can be a significant advantage.
Resource Acceleration: Commanding a squad of creatures that can attack right out of the gate ramps up the pressure on your opponent, potentially accelerating your resource gains through faster damage delivery and complimentary card interactions.
Instant Speed: While Hellraiser Goblin itself may not be an instant, its effect on the game is immediate. It transforms the battlefield dynamic in your favor the moment it hits the table, forcing rapid responses from opponents unprepared for a sudden onslaught.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Hellraiser Goblin demands that you toss away cards to achieve its optimal impact. This can be a substantial downside when your hand is already struggling for card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: This creature card requires not just any mana, but a specific combination that’s restricted to red mana. Players not running a red-focused deck will find it challenging to incorporate Hellraiser Goblin effectively.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that might be seen as steep for its abilities, Hellraiser Goblin could potentially slow down your game plan when efficiency is key. Some players may opt for lower-cost creatures that provide similar levels of aggression without the significant mana investment.
Reasons to Include Hellraiser Goblin in Your Collection
Versatility: Hellraiser Goblin offers an aggressive edge to decks that focus on rapid board development. Its ability to grant all your creatures haste supports a wide range of strategies, from token swarms to red-deck wins.
Combo Potential: This card shines within synergies that capitalize on having multiple creatures ready to attack immediately. It can be a game-changer when paired with enter-the-battlefield effects or other goblins that benefit from the increased potential for an explosive turn.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta that favors quick tempos or where catching opponents off-guard is key, Hellraiser Goblin’s ability to press the action can help tilt the scales in your favor. It’s particularly potent in formats where speed and creature-based strategies prevail.
How to beat
Hellraiser Goblin is an aggressive card that demands immediate attention on the battlefield. This creature card forces your entire squad to attack each turn if able. To effectively counteract the Hellraiser Goblin’s onslaught, consider using removal spells that can eliminate it before the attack phase, such as Doom Blade or Path to Exile. If you’re without removal, opt for creature cards with “reach” or “deathtouch” to defend against the forced attack, turning the tables on your opponent by eliminating their key attackers in the process.
Ensnaring cards like Pacifism also nullify Hellraiser Goblin’s threat by preventing it from attacking, invariably stifling your opponent’s offensive strategy. Additionally, sweepers like Supreme Verdict can clear the board of Hellraiser Goblin along with any other creatures, giving you clean slate control. Strategic planning and timely intervention will allow you to dismantle Hellraiser Goblin’s aggressive tactics and maintain dominance over the game state.
Adept deck building that includes an array of responses will ensure you’re well-equipped to handle Hellraiser Goblin and similar threats, keeping you one step ahead. Bear in mind the importance of adapting to the tempo Hellraiser Goblin sets and be ready to seize back control at a moment’s notice.
Cards like Hellraiser Goblin
Hellraiser Goblin is a card that offers unique synergy within creature-based strategies in Magic: The Gathering, holding its own in the realm of creature buffs. It’s most similar to cards like Fervor, which grants your creatures haste, allowing them to attack the turn they come into play. Fervor, however, is a non-creature enchantment that provides a permanent boost, whereas Hellraiser Goblin forces creatures to attack each turn if able, alongside granting haste. This introduces a risky but aggressive strategy.
Another card worth mentioning is Goblin Warchief. While it also gives haste to your goblin creatures, it reduces their cost as well, easing the deployment of a full goblin horde onto the battlefield. Unlike Hellraiser Goblin, Warchief does not compel your army into a frenzied assault each turn. This subtle difference gives players more control over their attack strategy and can be crucial in tight situations.
To sum up, in an MTG deck where pressing the offensive quickly is key, Hellraiser Goblin energizes a player’s board state with a burst of speed. For those willing to embrace its mandatory attack clause, this card can turn a sluggish board into a whirlwind of relentless pressure, distinguishing itself among cards that enhance creature abilities.
Cards similar to Hellraiser Goblin by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Hellraiser Goblin MTG card by a specific set like Gatecrash and Duel Decks: Speed vs. Cunning, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.
For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.
Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.
Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Hellraiser Goblin and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Printings
The Hellraiser Goblin Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2013-02-01 and 2014-09-05. Illustrated by Karl Kopinski.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2013-02-01 | Gatecrash | GTC | 95 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Karl Kopinski | |
| 2 | 2014-09-05 | Duel Decks: Speed vs. Cunning | DDN | 7 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Karl Kopinski |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Hellraiser Goblin has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Hellraiser Goblin card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2013-01-24 | Hellraiser Goblin’s ability also affects itself. If it enters the battlefield before combat, it will have to attack that combat if able. |
| 2013-01-24 | If, during your declare attackers step, a creature you control is tapped or is affected by a spell or ability that says it can’t attack, then it doesn’t attack. If there’s a cost associated with having a creature attack, you aren’t forced to pay that cost, so it doesn’t have to attack in that case either. |
